Rory McIlroy whiffs shot from the rough at US Open, avoids media after 18th hole blunder

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Rory McIlroy wanted nothing to do with the media after he uncharacteristically whiffed the ball while standing in the rough on the 18th hole during the first round of the U.S Open on Thursday. 

McIlroy, who last won the U.S. Open in 2011, finished T5 after a solid 17 holes but the unfortunate error on the 18th put him at 5-under for the day, just three strokes behind leaders Rickie Fowler and Zander Schauffle. 

Rory McIlroy reacts to a missed shot on the 18th hole during the first round of the U.S. Open at the Los Angeles Country Club on June 15, 2023. (Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

After eventually getting the ball out of the tall grass, McIlroy sunk an 11-foot putt for bogey but any questions about what happened would not be answered. 

US OPEN FAN EJECTED FROM COURSE AFTER HECKLING PHIL MICKELSON

According to the New York Post, McIlroy headed straight for the clubhouse and did not return despite the USGA’s request for media availability. In fact, McIlroy also canceled his pre-tournament press conference on Tuesday. 

Off to a rough start in general this year, McIlroy said in March that he was "ready to get back to being purely a golfer." 

Rory McIlroy on the 18th green during the first round of the U.S. Open on June 15, 2023, in Los Angeles. (Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

His responsibilities as a player director on the Tour’s Player Advisory Council, in addition to his being one of the PGA Tour’s biggest defenders in its dispute with LIV Golf since last year, have certainly shifted his focus off the course. 

"I’ve always thought I’ve had a good handle on the perspective on